Grundon Waste Management has underlined its reputation as a leader in aerosol recycling excellence by becoming a full member of the British Aerosol Manufacturers’ Association (BAMA).

The move comes after the company invested £3 million in its state-of-the-art Aeropak plant, which processes more than 40 cubic metres of aerosols a day - equivalent to the contents of two articulated vehicles.

Commenting on Grundon’s membership, Paul McConaghy, the Hazardous Waste Division’s Business Development Manager, said: “We are delighted to have joined BAMA, which does so much for the aerosol sector.

“We look forward to playing an active role in the association’s activities and to taking the opportunity to share our expertise and knowledge with its members.”

Amy Falvey, BAMA’s Membership & Communications Manager, added: “We are extremely pleased to welcome Grundon to the BAMA family and look forward to working with them in the future.”

In a “world first”, the Aeropak is helping to transform the way the pharmaceutical industry disposes of asthma inhalers as it can recover highly sought-after propellant gases for use by air conditioning manufacturers.

Using Best Available Technology (BAT) and based at Grundon’s Hazardous Waste Transfer Station in Ewelme, Oxfordshire, the facility provides the world’s most advanced closed loop aerosol recycling system.

Because every part of the aerosol is recycled or reprocessed in a completely sealed and totally safe oxygen free environment, any risk of fire is kept to an absolute minimum.

Other disposal methods, such as shredding, fail to recycle the propellants and can cause potential fire hazards if the harmful gases or vapours released from the aerosols are not effectively controlled.

Since the plant’s launch, it has attracted keen interest from both the UK and European markets, with interest coming from countries including Spain and France.

The BAMA is the trade association which represents the UK aerosol industry and aims to encourage innovation and good manufacturing practice on environmental issues.